Obituary of Hertha Reich

November 23, 1922 - Selm Beifang, Germany

December 21, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Hertha Reich, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the age of 101 years. 

Hertha was born in Selm Beifang, Germany. Her family immigrated in 1929 and eventually settled in Shellbrook, SK where she spent her childhood. She taught school in Saskatchewan for several years and near the end of the war got a job in Ottawa, ON translating correspondence. 

 In 1945 she married Helmut (Hal) Reich and moved to Winnipeg, MB. They lived in Winnipeg for 20 years. Her daughter Denyce was born in 1948 and her son Allan in 1951. In later years she ran a kindergarten in their house for many years. In 1966 they moved to Regina, SK and lived there for 45 years. Hal & Hertha travelled to over 45 countries and for 14 winters vacationed in Puerto Vallarta, MX. Hertha transcribed books to Braille, took seniors classes at the University, went to the symphony, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and needlework.  

In 2011, Hertha moved to Calgary, AB after Hal’s death in 2009.  She lived at Garrison Green Seniors Community where she thrived. She went on bus trips, attended symphonies, operas, art galleries and her passion for painting was reborn.  Every day she could be found in the art studio even two days before her passing. She painted over 200 works of art during that time. 

Hertha is survived by her daughter Denyce Lundeen (Glen), her son Allan Reich (Rhonda), her grandchildren David Reich (Lisa) and Elizabeth Reich, cousins Ruth Hosegood and Herman Schmidt (Joyce), goddaughter Karin McNair and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the staff at Garrison Green for their love and care over the last 12 years.

Internment will be held in Regina, SK in the spring of 2024.

In living memory of Hertha Reich, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.